 OVERVIEW
Mazatlan is dubbed "the Pearl of the Pacific" as it is Mexico's
largest commercial port as well as a part of the Pacific Coast's "Big
Three" resorts along with Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco. This is a
growing city with a population of nearly 600,000, making it the largest port
between Los Angeles and the Panama Canal. Mazatlan has become as much an
idyllic summer oasis to the Mexicans as well as the international visitors with
its pristine golden beaches, the bright sun, a lively sea port, and a casual
Mexican resort atmosphere. The combination of affordable comfort and a
laid-back seaside atmosphere makes Mazatlan difficult to resist. Whether
you're here for succulent seafood, beachside recreation or to enjoy the
country's spectacular Carnaval, Mazatlan is bound to become a trip to remember.
HISTORY IN BRIEF
Prior to the Spanish settlement in this area by the Spaniards in 1531, the
native Indians, the Totorames, occupied this area and lived on hunting and
fishing. However, this Spanish town had been unrecognized until the German
immigrants arrived in the 1800s to develop the port for shipping Asian and
European goods. Soon after, a local government was established in 1837.
Mazatlan became temporarily prosperous with the founding of silver and gold
mines in the hills outside of town, but this phenomenon was short-lived and soon
the city returned to its secluded state. Nevertheless, Mazatlan made a
come back with the boom of fishing industry and beach resorts in the 1960s with
the establishment of the first hotels along Playa Olas Altas. Resort
development has undergone extensive expansion since then, and it can be said
that Mazatlan has perhpas introduced more Americans and Canadians to Mexico than
any other resort.
GEOGRAPHY & CLIMATE
Mazatlan is a flat city located on the Pacific coast of Mexico and about
1,000 mi/1,600km south of the border with the U.S. Less than 160km to the
east lies Mexico's largest mountain range, the Sierra Madre Occidental.
The Pacific Ocean and the fish-rich Sea of Cortez converge offshore.
Mazatlan has a sunny and moderate climate similar to that of Southern
California. Daytime temperatures December-April are in the 70s F/20s C.
Summer days are hotter (80s F/25-39s C) and humid, with brief afternoon showers
common June-September. The coolest time is December-February with daytime
highs range 60-70 F.16-21 C. As the northernmost major beach resort on the
mainland, Mazatlan can be cooler in summer than the resorts farther south.
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